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Government urged to take action over social care crisis

The government is being urged to take action to fix the
UK’s social care crisis.

It comes after the Queen’s Speech said the government
would address social care “to ensure dignity in old age”, but did not provide
any further detail as to how this might look.

Sarah Coles, personal finance analyst at Hargreaves
Lansdown, said the idea of a cap on care costs and more generous means test
were agreed in principle by the then-government back in 2011.

“Since then, while the problem has grown larger and less
manageable, the number of postponements and the degree of prevarication would
almost be amusing in its absurdity if it wasn’t for the real human cost paid by
those stuck with the current system. The promise of action in a Queen’s Speech
that runs the risk of being a damp squib is the latest in a long line of
insults layered upon injury,” she warned.

Niall Dickson, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, added
that thousands of vulnerable people are being left to fend for themselves every
day without the care and support they need.

“We welcome the government’s commitment to reform adult
social care but we have been here before and need to see these welcome words
put into firm action,” he stated.

Will Hale, chief executive of equity release adviser Key,
said: “The proposals to reform adult social care are vital as even with the
funding increases unveiled over recent months, how to fund this important
service and provide those who need support with dignity they deserve in
older age is likely to remain a challenge for local authorities.”